The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Taylorville for those affected by the tornadoes that passed through the area in early December.

SBA representatives are available to meet face to face with disaster survivors, provide program information, answer questions about the disaster loan program and help submit an application. The center is located in the Taylorville Fire Department on North Main Street and is open January 3-17. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

According to John Veal, who is the acting director of the SBA's Illinois District, businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. Additionally, loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, and homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

According to Montgomery County EMA Coordinator Greg Nimmo, the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Taylorville is open to residents of Montgomery, Christian, Sangamon, Macon and Shelby counties.